Practical Living

Change Happens

We often think of change as a hooded bandit who sneaks into our lives and steals the youth of our children.  We want our life to stay the same.  We rebel against change because there is security in sameness and predictability, but change cannot be stopped.  Consider the principles of growth that come from change.

Grandmas House

If your church is located near an elementary school, consider opening a “Grandma’s House.”  Meet with your pastor to discuss the possibility of offering a before and after school daycare for children with grandparents as volunteer caretakers.

Be sure your church has adequate insurance to cover the children and volunteers.  Check with an attorney if necessary.

Summertime with the Kids

It is that time of year again! It will be just a few short weeks before the children and grandchildren begin to pack bags and set off on their summer family adventure.  In my case, our granddaughters will be with us on some of those adventures.  I am always interested in finding ways to truly make our time together adventurous and meaningful.  Therefore, looking for and obtaining resources that help in that area has become a ritual for me.

Gifts the keep giving.

During the holidays, ideas for gift giving are everywhere. This year consider giving gifts of time and effort instead of the latest fad and fancy.

Who will take care of you?

Caring for the ill and/or elderly is important to consider with the aging of America. Consider these options:

Roomate Opportunities

At some point in our lives, many of us will need assisted living. This may mean we move in with one of our children. After years of independence, we may find ourselves making numerous adjustments. Consider the following questions before making a final decision...

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE

Often during the holiday season, people who are alone or those who have lost a close friend or loved one during the holidays need a little extra cheer. You can help to provide this by calling them on the telephone.

Tips for Hospital Visits

It may be impossible to count the number of times you have visited friends or family in the hospital. Did you know your visit can make a world of difference in the recovery of your friend or family member?

PERSONALIZED HOLIDAY GIFTS

Nothing is more inviting than receiving a gift designed especially for you. Consider some of the following suggestions for holiday gift giving. They are as easy as 1, 2, 3.

The Second Time Around

You’ve lost your spouse. You’re lonely. You’ve met a kind Christian person who is also looking for companionship. Before you become serious enough to say “I Do” a second time, consider some of the following concerns.

Be Safety Smart

Periodically checking our surroundings and making changes to assure safety can avoid many accidents. Use the following as a checklist to see how safe you are and to determine what you need to do for your own protection. Plan ahead and make your house injury-proof to compensate for changing needs.

A Friend in Need

As we age, we see more of our friends who occasionally need practical help. Some have hip replacements, knee surgeries, broken bones, other surgeries, or just illnesses. During these times, they may need practical help. Consider some of the following:

When mom and dad can't care for themselves
Deciding the kind of care needed for an aging parent can be an emotional and financial burden for adult children with families of their own. But when that time comes and for whatever reason your loved one can no longer live independently, are nursing homes the best answer or are there other alternatives? “Today” contributor and consumer lawyer Alan Kopit has some advice…

“Pianist plays for 72 years”
Rachel Nicholson, 83, found her ministry niche at First Assembly of God in Warren , Arkansas , early in life. Seventy-two years later, the ministry looks like a perfect fit.

Retirement time: The new prime of life?
By John W. Kennedy
As seen in Today’s Pentecostal Evangel magazine

When I was growing up I didn’t know a lot of “old” people, although I considered my parents, then in their 40s, fairly ancient. Three of my four grandparents died before my birth, and my only surviving grandmother died when I was 8. People in their 60s seemed positively antediluvian. The few grandparents of my friends and relatives still living didn’t hold jobs anymore. Some could barely move.

Top Ten Goals for Senior Adults
Admit you are a senior adult. In many cultures those over fifty are highly esteemed. Look for ways to honor those who are older than you, setting precedence for the younger generation.

Holiday Open House
During the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays is a great time to invite friends and neighbors in for a little fellowship.

Renew Your Faith
Life’s concerns can increase with age, but fear and anxiety are toxic emotions. When you worry, you cannot have peace; and without peace, there is no joy.

Cellular Phone Etiquette
With hundreds of cellular phones being used regularly, there are certain courtesies that should be observed.

Selecting a Long-Term Care Facility
You’ve seen the little sign “Plan Ahead.” If you do your homework prior to your need for a long-term care facility, you should have fewer problems.

Forgiveness
God’s greatest gift is forgiveness. When He gave us His son, He knew the purpose of Jesus was our redemption.

Dealing with Death and Dying
Discussing death and dying is taboo in most circles. I think most of us are curious about dying and death, but we are inhibited in raising the subject in conversation with other people.

How Not to be Lonely
The only thing about creation God saw as not good was the fact that the man was alone. He then created woman and designed marriage and the family so that we would never have to be alone.

A MOMENTARY SPEED BUMP ON THE ROAD OF LIFE
Our culture extols the virtues of youth and tries its best to deter the prospects of and effects of aging. But at some point reality must set in and we all must accept the fact that the years add up at an ever-increasing rate.

Getting a Head Start on Spring
With the arrival of spring, it is important to be ready for it. Consider some of the following suggestions to help you get a head start on spring.

Low-Maintenance Garden Care
All lawns and gardens require hard work, but there are things to keep in mind that will provide beautiful landscapes with less physical labor.

Precious Personal Presents
As families drift apart geographically, it becomes more dificult to choose appropriate gifts at Christmas.

Help Me Remember To...
Do you have trouble remembering important things to do?

Holiday with a New Twist
Do you ever run out of ideas for the holidays?

What is a Grandparent?
Grandparents have taken on important roles beyond previous expectations.

Alternative Sources of Transportation
If you are considering hanging up your car keys, let's look at possible sources of transportation.

Adult Day Care
Adult Day Care is one of the fastest growing services today. This option may provide a satisfactory alternative to placing your loved one in a full-care facility.

Adjusting to Circumstances
As we mature and age, there comes a time for physical adjustments to make everyday life easier. Think about your home and what changes you can make to help yourself continue to accomplish your work around the house safely.

Knowing When to Hang Up the Car Keys
Driving a car is usually the last bit of independence a person wants to give up. However, circumstances may be such that you need to consider hanging up your car keys or perhaps asking your parents to do so.

The Cost of Christmas
Consider the cost of Christmas at its initial arrival.

Making Meaningful Memories
Let this be the year you begin a tradition for your family, church group, friends, and yourself.

Organize a Sing-Along
Here is something you might consider: organize a Sing-Along and sing your favorite hymns.

A Season to Refocus
Retirement is a critical time for anyone. Your retirement or refocusing years can be the beginning of the best, not the beginning of the end.

Stuck in the Middle
With the demands of everyday life, it is very important to set aside some quiet time to talk with the Lord.

Quiet Time
With the demands of everyday life, it is very important to set aside some quiet time to talk with the Lord.

Preserving the Family Heritage
One of the most popular crafts today is scrapbooking. Both men and women are actively participating in capturing memories as a heritage to pass on to their families.

Things Your Spouse Didn't Tell You
As we get older, our driving reflexes may change. If this happens, we must adjust our driving habits to accommodate these changes.

Information Directory
Tthe Senior Adult Ministries Department offers an Information Directory which can be used to maintain vital information—the type of information that can be valuable if you become unable to take care of your own affairs or at your death.

Blended Stepfamilies
It is becoming more common to try to blend two families into one.

Who's Behind the Wheel?
As we get older, our driving reflexes may change. If this happens, we must adjust our driving habits to accommodate these changes.

Welcomed Guests
Here are a few suggestions that will make you a welcomed guest.

To Work or Not To Work
Individuals who have retired often struggle with unanticipated problems related to retirement.

Gifts That Remain
Giving is something that needs to take place every day, not just during the holidays.

Adopt A Pet
10 Tips on making a pet part of your life.

Bon Voyage
Helpful tips for a stress-free vacation.

How to Stay Young
Nine little guides to put more life in your years.

Changing Roles
Some points to consider before making a decision concerning assisted living arrangements.

Please Read to Me
Most children enjoy having someone read to them. Here are some ways YOU can read to a child and enhance a life.

Holiday Safety
People tend to let their guard down when they're in the holiday spirit.